Slapout’s own “American Idol” finalist, Jess Meuse, is likely sighing in relief, as are her friends, family and fans. Meuse has once again made the cut and will proceed into the show’s top 6. Judges were harsh on her last Wednesday performance, but viewers were doing the voting. On Thursday’s live broadcast, it was down to the wire.

For the first time all season, Meuse landed in the bottom 2. Alongside her in that position: her fellow Alabamian, Dexter Roberts.

And it was Roberts who was chosen to go home. He sang his send-off song, “Lucky Man,” surrounded by the remaining contestants. That leaves two Alabamians remaining in the contest — Meuse and CJ Harris of Jasper.

A shaky night

It was “competitors’ pick” Wednesday night, with contestants picking songs for their fellow finalists to perform.

What may have seemed to be a powerful performance to a studio audience that yelled and applauded their approval was summed up as a disappointment by the show’s judges, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban.

“This was the first time i heard you off, vocally,” Lopez told Meuse. “You seemed a little bit uncomfortable. It just didn’t seem natural to me.”

Connick cited a “lack of rhythmic delivery” to Meuse’s performances in general. He suggested she go back to her hotel and dance to some funk music to help her drive songs rhythmically.

Urban was the only judge to offer her some encouragement, albeit surrounded by criticism

“What happened tonight was this dissipation of energy on a song that is all about attitude and revenge,” Urban said. “You’re way better than that. If you want to stay in this competition baby get centered get serious and commit that lyric, because you can really do it.”

Roberts chose the song picked out by Harris —”Muckalee Creek Water” by Luke Bryan. Judges gave him a lukewarm response, telling him he needed to put his own memorable spin on the songs he covered,

Harris sang “Gravity” by John Mayer, garnering positive reviews from the judges, with Connick calling it Harris’s best performance yet.

Later on Wednesday’s show, Meuse teamed up with her Alabama competitors for a trio performance of “Compass: by Lady Antebellum, which judges largely panned, with Connick bluntly stating, “Guys, it just wasn’t good.”

On to the next round

Votes, starting tonight,, beginning during tonight’s broadcast on Fox, determine which of the contestants will make the final 5.

Last Wednesday, the “American Idol” tour was announced, with the top 10 contestants performing live nationally. The tour includes a July 26 date in at Birmingham’s BJCC Concert Hall.